Nuclear-targeted α-ketoglutarate drives TET2-dependent endothelial rejuvenation and mediates sex-specific lifespan extension

Hypothesis

The anti-aging effects of calcium-α-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) depend on its delivery to the nucleus of endothelial cells, where it fuels TET2-mediated DNA demethylation of promoters governing vascular homeostasis. This nuclear AKG-TET2 axis is necessary for the observed lifespan extension, and its efficacy differs between males and females because estrogen up-regulates TET2 expression in females.

Mechanistic Rationale

AKG is a obligate cofactor for the ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases that oxidize 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, initiating DNA demethylation [4]. While cytosolic AKG can support mitochondrial metabolism and autophagy, epigenetic reprogramming requires nuclear AKG concentrations that exceed those achieved by systemic supplementation alone [6]. Endothelial cells are particularly sensitive to epigenetic drift because they regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and blood-brain barrier integrity—processes that deteriorate with age [3]. We propose that Ca-AKG enters endothelial nuclei via the soluble lactate transporter SLC5A8, which is upregulated by shear stress and estrogen signaling [5]. Once inside, AKG sustains TET2 activity, leading to demethylation of promoters for eNOS (Nos3) and Klotho, thereby improving vascular function and reducing senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Estrogen-dependent enhancement of TET2 transcription in females creates a sex-biased baseline, making females more responsive to nuclear AKG supplementation.

Predictions

1. Endothelial-specific TET2 knockout will abolish the lifespan-extending and frailty-reducing effects of Ca-AKG in both sexes.
2. Nuclear-targeted AKG (e.g., AKG conjugated to a nuclear localization signal) will produce a greater increase in 5-hmC at Nos3 and Klotho promoters and a larger reduction in DNA methylation-based biological age than equimolar cytosolic AKG.
3. Female mice will show a larger lifespan extension from cytosolic AKG than males, but this difference will disappear when TET2 is deleted in endothelial cells.
4. Pharmacologic inhibition of SLC5A8 will reduce nuclear AKG accumulation and blunt the epigenetic and functional benefits of Ca-AKG supplementation.

Experimental Design

• Model: C57BL/6J mice, male and female, aged 12 months (mid-life).
• Groups (n = 20 per sex per group): (1) vehicle, (2) cytosolic Ca-AKG (1 g kg^-1 day^-1, sustained release), (3) nuclear-targeted AKG (same dose, NLS-AKG), (4) cytosolic Ca-AKG + endothelial-specific TET2 KO (Tie2-Cre; Tet2^fl/fl), (5) cytosolic Ca-AKG + SLC5A8 inhibitor (if available).
• Intervention: 6 months treatment.
• Readouts:
  • Lifespan and frailty index.
  • Whole-blood DNA methylation age (Horvath mouse clock).
  • Endothelial 5-hmC levels at Nos3 and Klotho promoters (hMeDIP-qPCR).
  • Vascular function (acetylcholine-induced vasodilation).
  • Plasma SASP cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α).
  • Nuclear vs cytosolic AKG quantification (LC-MS/MS of isolated fractions).

Potential Outcomes and Falsifiability

If nuclear AKG-TET2 signaling is essential, groups receiving cytosolic AKG but lacking endothelial TET2 (or SLC5A8) will show no significant increase in 5-hmC, no improvement in vascular function, and no extension of lifespan relative to vehicle. Conversely, nuclear-targeted AKG should rescue the phenotype even in SLC5A8-inhibited mice, confirming that nuclear availability is the limiting step. A lack of difference between cytosolic and nuclear AKG, or persistence of lifespan extension despite endothelial TET2 loss, would falsify the hypothesis. Sex-specific effects that are abolished by endothelial TET2 deletion would further support the estrogen-TET2-AKG nexus.